Transcript Highlights:

• . >> 2025, I would say we are continuing to look at how we handle some of our engineering of our coastal
• that purpose or do you have to for new infrastructure for existing infrastructure and you reverse engineer
• But as part of the hardening, does that have to be reversed, engineered into existing infrastructure?
• The as part of the reverse engineering as you call it, that is where we're at in the additional connectivity
• That's the reverse engineering.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Huber engineered woods example was not really about permitting at all.
• this legislature, without a single hearing, gave $60 million in subsidies to try to attract Huber engineered
• <00:21:34.200> Woods<00:21:34.559> example<00:21:35.400> was the Huber engineered
• Woods example was the Huber engineered Woods example was not<00:21:35.760> really<00:21:35.960
• subsidies to to try to<00:21:48.440> attract<00:21:48.840> Huber<00:21:49.200> engineered

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Leech Lake or Lake of the Woods when you go on opening day, it is an amazing display of the economic engine
• Leech Lake or Lake of the Woods when you go on opening day, it is an amazing display of the economic engine
• Leech Lake or Lake of the Woods when you go on opening day, it is an amazing display of the economic engine
• Leech Lake or Lake of the Woods when you go on opening day, it is an amazing display of the economic engine

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 276, sponsored by Rep. Jim Nash, which would reduce the cost of fishing licenses by $10 for anglers age 65 and older. Nash described the bill as a modest fee reduction for longtime anglers, emphasizing the role of older fishermen in mentoring kids and supporting community activities, and noting that the bill includes a fiscal impact. He also said the proposal was a more conservative alternative to a previous bill and framed it as a way to recognize seniors who have long paid full-price license fees. Pat Rivers, Director of the Fish and Wildlife Division, testified that unlike the previous bill, HF 276 would not affect sport fish restoration dollars coming to Minnesota. He said the general fund reimbursement acknowledges that angling is a major economic driver for the state, supporting spending on gas, resorts, bait, and related purchases. Members echoed support for the concept, with comments about helping older residents stay engaged in fishing and about the need to keep the fund sustainable. The chair noted that the packet included letters of support from the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation and Conservation Minnesota. No opposition testimony was presented. At the end of the discussion, the motion was renewed and House File 276 was laid over for possible inclusion in a future bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the city engineer for Flagler Beach.
• Steve Swan, I'm the city engineer with the City of Atlantic Beach. Rob Zimitaro, JEA.
• I'm the city engineer with the City of Atlantic Beach.
• Florida, with the Governor, and with the federal partnership that we have with the Army Corps of Engineers

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met to hear a panel discussion on implementation of Senate Bill 64 (2021), which requires elimination of non-beneficial wastewater discharges to surface waters by 2032. Department of Environmental Protection staff reported that utility plans have been approved, about 570 million gallons per day are expected to be eliminated under the plans, and roughly 176 million gallons per day have already been eliminated. The department emphasized ongoing annual reporting, continued coordination with utilities, and the need for projects such as reuse, indirect potable reuse, wet-weather backup discharges, groundwater recharge, and other beneficial uses to meet the law’s 90% reuse requirement in applicable cases. Representatives from Flagler Beach, Atlantic Beach, JEA, and Hillsborough County described how the law affects different utilities. Smaller and coastal systems said they face major cost, space, salinity, and infrastructure constraints, with limited reuse opportunities and expensive alternatives such as deep well injection or regional transfer. Larger systems described substantial capital programs already underway, including public access reuse, indirect potable reuse, regional recharge projects, and saltwater intrusion barrier wells, with costs ranging from tens of millions to billions of dollars. Members and witnesses discussed the need for flexibility, regional solutions, and case-by-case permitting, and the Florida Rural Water Association asked the committee to consider hardship provisions and funding or exemption adjustments for smaller systems. The committee then took up SPB 7002, a proposed bill by the Environment and Natural Resources Committee relating to water management districts. Senator Broder explained that the bill would increase transparency, improve planning and budgeting oversight, create a gift ban, support local referendum authority for certain ad valorem funding, and provide record-level funding for Everglades restoration. After a question from Senator Smith about whether the ad valorem language was expansive or restrictive, Senator Broder said it would add a new funding tool for districts. The committee adopted a motion to submit SPB 7002 as a committee bill, and it was reported favorably by roll call vote. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• What's unique in our civil engineering squadron?
• What's unique in our civil engineering What's unique in our civil engineering squadron?
• They're no longer required in engineer.
• Within that we engineering squadron.
• maintenance, um and also the engineering maintenance, um and also the engineering pathways<01:24

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The task force met on October 14, confirmed a quorum, and adopted the September 16, 2025 minutes. Members then received a Kentucky Air National Guard 101 briefing from Brigadier General Bruce Bancroft, commander of the Kentucky Air National Guard, who described the Guard’s structure, missions, and statewide role. He emphasized that Kentucky is a single-wing state centered at Louisville’s 123rd Airlift Wing and highlighted several unique capabilities, including the Contingency Response Group, critical care air transport teams, medical detachment for chemical environments, explosive ordnance disposal, fatality search and recovery, and special tactics personnel. General Bancroft also discussed staffing and readiness, saying the Guard has 1,273 authorized positions, with a mix of AGR, Title 32, and Title 5 personnel. He noted that AGR positions are funded at about 96 percent, while technician positions are funded at about 53 percent, leaving the organization to operate at roughly 75 percent of authorized manpower overall. He said the wing converted from the C-130H to the C-130J in 2021 and completed the transition in about 2.5 years, ahead of the original three-year timeline. The briefing further covered the Guard’s operational tempo and community role. Bancroft said the unit has earned 21 Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, has deployed about 500,000 days since 9/11 across 45 countries, and routinely supports federal and domestic missions. He described the C-130J’s tactical airlift, airdrop, and blacked-out operations as directly useful for disaster response in Kentucky, and he pointed to strong ties with UPS and other aviation employers. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approval of the prior minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't even know what an engineer does. There aren't any engineers in our community."
• I don't even know can't be an engineer.
• There aren't any what an engineer does.
• <00:27:54.720> And<00:27:54.960> worse engineers in our community."
• And worse engineers in our community."

Bills: HF3650, HF2238

Keywords: student career pathways, education framework, experiential learning, employer engagement, career technical education, HF2238, Minnesota, workforce development, construction trades, youth skills training, youth apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, construction training, career and technical education, CTE, child labor laws, minor labor, labor exemption, workforce pipeline, skilled trades

Transcript Highlights:

• and not by the traditional search engine and not by the traditional search engine methods.<01:23
• to structural engineering, mechanical, electrical engineering, interior design, civil.
• <01:42:54.480> to design from geotechnical engineering to design from geotechnical engineering
• to structural<01:42:55.360> engineering,<01:42:55.920> mechanical, structural engineering
• , mechanical, structural engineering, mechanical, electrical<01:42:56.800> engineering,<01:42:

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the June 10 minutes, and then handled a routine agenda of contracts and agreements. It deferred one Kentucky Educational Television contract to the August 2025 meeting because the vendor was not registered with the Secretary of State, and then approved the remaining routine items on the PSC green list and related contract lists without objection. The most detailed discussion involved two personal service contracts for the Kentucky Employees Health Plan. Officials from the Personnel Cabinet and Department of Employee Insurance explained that the contracts were designed to identify claims errors and overspending, with vendors paid a percentage of validated savings recovered for the plan. Senators asked how the savings were calculated and whether the contracts had changed plan processes; staff said the contracts had produced realized savings, some errors had been corrected going forward, and the vendors report quarterly. The committee approved those contracts. The committee then took up a retroactive Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority contract for a customized College Info Road Show bus. Members questioned why the contract was being presented months after execution, why it involved an out-of-state vendor, and whether the purchase was reasonable and timely. KHEAA staff said the delay stemmed from the need to finalize sustainability and safety details after the RFP, and acknowledged internal process and staffing issues. Several members criticized the retroactive approval process and said they could not validate the purchase from the information provided, but the committee ultimately approved the contract after debate. A final KHEAA discussion focused on the purpose and value of the mobile outreach bus. Staff said the bus supports college and financial aid outreach, especially in rural areas, and has been used for 26 years. Some members questioned the return on investment and whether the state should rely more on broadband and remote outreach, while others supported the program as a way to reach students and families. The committee approved the KHEAA contract, with Senator Douglas voting no and explaining concerns about whether such outreach programs are the proper role of government and whether they are the best use of public funds.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:09:03.759> model the integrated science engineering model the integrated science engineering
• Engineered biochar for tomorrow's steel industry.
• Engineered biochar for tomorrow's steel industry.
• Engineered biochar for tomorrow's steel industry.
• <01:40:50.520> our biological science and engineering our biological science and engineering

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• we have is: happening is it's to be used by what we're trying to do is to capture some of the new engineers
• The basic idea on this is to make sure that the young engineers that we have going into the research
• But here's the reality: we've got these young mechanical aero engineers graduating from. institutions

Bills: HB3882, HB4273, HB4280, HB4281

Keywords: transportation, revolving fund, grants, infrastructure, economic development, income tax, aerospace, higher education, tax credit, qualified employee, funding, safety, state highways, bridges, apportionment, Oklahoma, transportation funding, sales tax, road maintenance, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Kimberly Robinson, President of Tadine Brown Engineering Mr.
• Scott Hall... ...Tadine Brown Engineering, Mr.
• Now, I'd like to turn the floor over to Scott Hall, President of Tadine Brown Engineering.
• Grumman, Tadine Brown Engineering, Boeing Company, RTX Company, Special Aerospace Services, United Launch
• This effort is aimed at inspiring a new generation of scientists and engineers. engineers and explorers

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• had met with the Speaker and Senate President this past summer to show them kind of that value engineering
• had met with the Speaker and Senate President this past summer to show them kind of that value engineering
• had met with the Speaker and Senate President this past summer to show them kind of that value engineering
• I think they call it a 202 project, but it's through the Army Corps of Engineers.
• I think they call it a 202 project, but it's through the Army Corps of Engineers.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:05 Capitol Renovations Update 00:00:40 Damage from Recent Disaster Discussion 00:33:25, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for its third meeting of the session and received an update on the Capitol renovation project from Finance and Administration Secretary Holly Johnson and State Budget Director John Hicks. They reported the project budget remains $291.52 million, with Messer Construction as construction manager, and said the temporary legislative chamber completion has slipped into 2025 because of wiring, voting machine, KET camera, and canopy work. They outlined the current bid schedule: site and utility bids due February 27, 2025; roofing and fourth-floor structural work due April 24; major renovation bids due May 23; bid review in late May and early June; roofing and fourth-floor work beginning in late June; and overall construction starting July 7, 2025. A major focus of the discussion was the project contingency, which officials said is only $10.8 million for an older building with significant unknown conditions. They explained that earlier investigations led to about $60 million in value engineering cuts, including more than $40 million tied to unexpectedly extensive terrace damage on the north, south, and east sides. The terraces were originally expected to need only minor work, but officials said investigations showed reconstruction would eventually be necessary and could not be handled by simple restoration. They also said the mechanical equipment plan changed from a basement location to a vault under the east parking lot, and that the west terrace will still see some ADA-related work. Committee members questioned why the terrace work was not included in the current budget, whether doing it later would cost more, and why bids and construction planning had taken so long. Officials said the terraces were left out because of cost, that future work would likely be more expensive because of market escalation, and that the timing reflected extensive investigation needed to produce reliable bids. Members also raised concerns about scaffolding and the temporary chambers; officials clarified that the scaffolding discussed was for the separate Capitol Dome project, not the chamber project, and said the Dome scaffolding is part of that project cost and is expected to come down in early 2027. They said the temporary chambers are expected to be used for three sessions, through the 28th session, with a return to the Capitol planned for the 29th session, and that public tours of the Capitol would likely end around June depending on the bid results and construction schedule.

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m a structural engineer, a geological engineer.
• I’m a structural engineer, a geological engineer.
• MnDOT engineer, retired.
• > structural engineer, a geological structural engineer, a geological engineer.<01:48:31.040> So,<
• So, at MnDOT, um engineer.

Bills: HF3919, HF1335, HF3864, HF3916, HF3728

Keywords: veterans benefits, Secret War, Laos veterans, eligibility process, burial fees, veteran designation, electronic license, driver's license, digital credential, transportation, data privacy, authentication, license plates, vehicle registration, validation stickers, Minnesota statutes, transportation policy, aeronautics, transponder, aircraft safety

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a licensed professional engineer in Minnesota and serve as the lead service line replacement program
• <00:20:37.919> in I'm a licensed professional engineer in I'm a licensed professional engineer
• firms to assist water engineering firms to assist water systems<00:22:18.880> with<00:22:19.120
• I mentioned earlier the 18 engineering firms under contract with the Minnesota Department of Health to
• The Excel Energy Center arena complex is a critical economic engine for our city and for our state.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And with me today is Matt Kremens, director of the California-Nevada Conference of Operating Engineers
• Matt Kremens here on behalf of the California-Nevada Conference of Operating Engineers.
• , but also outlines how they're to respond to public inquiries into their projects. of operating engineers
• Matt Kremens here on behalf of the California Nevada Conference of Operating Engineers.

Summary: The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee met on March 19, 2025, adopted its rules, and approved the consent calendar before hearing several bills. AB 538, by Assemblymember Berman, would require awarding bodies on public works projects to make a timely attempt to obtain certified payroll records from contractors when the public requests them, rather than simply saying they do not have the records. Supporters said it would clarify existing prevailing wage enforcement; county, city, special district, and housing groups opposed it over workload, privacy, and potential funding risks. The bill passed the committee on a do-pass recommendation to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 485, authored by Chair Ortega, which would direct state agencies to deny or renew business licenses for employers with outstanding wage theft judgments unless the judgments are satisfied or bonded. Supporters, including labor groups and a caregiver who described delayed recovery of unpaid wages, said the bill would give workers meaningful leverage to collect judgments. The California Hospital Association opposed it, warning that license action could threaten patient access to care. The bill passed on a do-pass recommendation to Appropriations. AB 596, by Assemblymember McKinnor, would codify workers’ right to wear a face covering or respirator at work unless it creates a direct safety hazard. Supporters said the measure would protect workers from illness, wildfire smoke, and employer restrictions after prior Cal/OSHA protections expired; the Chamber of Commerce opposed it narrowly, asking for an exception where masks are infeasible for certain tasks. The committee supported the bill and sent it to Appropriations. The hearing concluded with the roll kept open for absent members and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• IS ROXANNE GROOVER AND I'M AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR THE FLORIDA ONSITE WASTE WATER ASSN AND ALSO ENGINEER
• ONE OF THE THINGS I WOULD LIKE TO SAY -- I AM AN ENGINEER BY TRAINING.
• IS THERE SOMETHING THAT THE STATE CAN DO AT SOME LEVEL. >> YOU ARE A BUILDER AND I AM AN ENGINEER AND
• ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER AT HEART.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• advances, collaborating with universities and companies, and performing multidisciplinary science and engineering
• And whereas laboratories foster a culture of collaboration, bringing together scientists engineers and
• educational programs and initiatives, inspiring and supporting the next generation of scientists and engineers
• Air Force officer since 1996, he holds a master's degree and a doctorate in material science and engineering

Transcript Highlights:

• Other departments—engineering, fire, other departments in the inspections process.
• from training and say, you didn't engineer this right, you have to change it.
• if they're going to call the engineers if they're going to call the engineers from<00:36:32.720>
• 35.640> you<00:36:35.800> have<00:36:35.880> to<00:36:36.040> change engineer
• this right you have to change engineer this right you have to change it<00:36:36.560> so<00:36

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Labor Committee heard Senate File 560, a bill to require the Commissioner of Labor and Industry to establish a cost-per-square-foot valuation for residential building permits. Senator Dornink said the measure is intended to make permit fees more fair, reasonable, transparent, and predictable, and to reduce housing costs by limiting large differences in permit fees between municipalities. He said the bill would be sent to the Housing Committee without recommendation, and members discussed but did not act on a related amendment that would have shifted plan review and inspection fees to hourly and trip-based charges and made fee information publicly available. Testimony from Housing First Minnesota supported the bill’s goal, arguing that Minnesota’s housing shortage and high new-home prices make it important to reduce inefficiencies in the permitting system. The witness said permit valuations are often increased by cities, leading to higher costs for homebuyers, and cited examples of large fee differences between municipalities and claims of overcollection. He said some other states, including Texas and Wisconsin communities, use square-footage-based approaches. A League of Minnesota Cities representative opposed the amendment language and cautioned that trip charges and hourly billing would make fees less certain, could raise costs, and would be especially burdensome in Greater Minnesota; he said current valuation-based fees better reflect the actual cost and complexity of service and can be appealed if disputed. A representative of the Association of Minnesota Building Officials also raised concerns about the amendment, saying building departments provide consultations, inspections, plan review, and other services beyond a single trip, and that trip charges would not fit a responsive fee-for-service model. He said the current valuation system helps cover the full range of permitting work, though he acknowledged that a consistent square-foot valuation standard could improve transparency and reduce disputes over project value. Committee members asked about other states’ approaches and the scope of the bill, and the discussion emphasized that the proposal applies to one- and two-family dwellings.

Transcript Highlights:

• MUNICIPAL UTILITIES, ESPECIALLY THOSE THAT GENERATE THEIR OWN ENGINE ENTITY HAVE TO TAKE ACTIONS EVERYDAY
• COMMISSIONERS TO PROVIDE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANCE AND STAFFING UNTIL THE PROJECT PLANNING DESIGN AND ENGINEERING
• WE ESTABLISHED A FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT THE PLANNING AND DESIGN ENGINEERING WHILE OVERSEEING COMMUNICATIONS
• THE BILL STATES WHEN A DESIGN PROFESSIONAL SUCH AS AN ARCHITECT OR ENGINEER SIGNS AND STEALS BUILDING
• DO IS IF A DESIGN PROFESSIONAL IS PUTTING THEIR LICENSE ON THE LINE AND DESIGN PROFESSIONALS, AND ENGINEER

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• New Hampshire today, even with all the improvements we've made to some of the engineering portions of
• New Hampshire today, even with all the improvements we've made to some of the engineering portions of
• New Hampshire today, even with all the improvements we've made to some of the engineering portions of
• <02:11:00.719> looked minor but it just our Engineers looked minor but it just our Engineers
• I don't think you have to have an engineering degree to notice that the tank is overflowing.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• JLG also has consultants: Architectural Plus, Higher Engineering, Interstate Engineering, and CMTA Engineering
• mechanical and plumbing adjustments, site and civil scope changes, and also some additional value-engineer
• Esfold, the architect of record, and Ackerman's consultants, which include Ackerman and Esfold Civil Engineering
• Structural, Martin Mechanical, and Prairie Engineering. OMB will lease spaces to HP and BCI.
• This facility will be constructed as a pre- This facility will be constructed as a pre-engineered metal

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum and approved the March 18 minutes before hearing a series of informational updates. The Petroleum Council reported that North Dakota oil production is expected to remain relatively flat at just under 1.2 million barrels per day, with activity shifting northward in the Bakken as technology improves and three- and four-mile laterals boost well performance. The presentation also discussed oil and gas prices, gas taxation, flaring concerns, the importance of pipelines and other linear infrastructure, and enhanced oil recovery pilot projects supported by state and federal funding. Members asked questions about gas production taxes, natural gas liquids, and the outlook for drilling rigs and future production. The Office of State Tax Commissioner then reviewed the federal “big beautiful bill” and its estimated effect on North Dakota individual and business income tax collections. Staff explained that most of the individual income tax impact comes from the permanent increase in the standard deduction, while temporary provisions such as senior deductions, tip and overtime exclusions, and auto loan interest deductions have smaller or limited-term effects. They also noted that business tax changes, especially depreciation and expensing provisions, create a larger near-term cash impact, and that some FY25 collections likely reflected one-time oil field transactions that may have inflated the baseline used in earlier estimates. OMB provided updates on major capital projects and facility funding. For Capitol grounds improvements, officials described plans for 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding upgrades, public seating, lighting, tree management, and possible restroom and lobby reconfiguration, while also noting the governor’s residence security project and the discovery of human remains on the Capitol grounds. OMB and its consultants also reported on the state facility maintenance fund, including window replacement, boiler work, roof and foundation repairs, and a new facility conditions assessment covering more state buildings. Updates were also given on the new state hospital in Jamestown, the Minot state office building, and the use of federal state fiscal recovery funds, including possible future reallocations to the Department of Corrections. Finally, Legislative Council staff summarized the interim compliance report on legislative intent and trust fund activity, highlighting the status of lines of credit, Bank of North Dakota profit transfers, the statewide litigation pool, the new Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, corrections planning, HHS program updates, and a likely future general fund request for the unemployment insurance modernization project. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes; the meeting was primarily informational, with members asking clarifying questions throughout.